Collectors & Explorers

The 8th Lord Howard de Walden

Lord Howard de Walden

Period:

20th Century

Description:

Lord Howard de Walden commissioned this portrait himself and travelled to France to sit for the sculptor Rodin. Commissioning a portrait of oneself has always been a way of expressing one's status and wealth. Often such portraits are designed to emphasise those very things through various means such as clothing and surroundings.

This portrait is apparently free of such symbols but the very act of commissioning Rodin, one of the best known artists of the day communicates something of the Howard de Waldens' standing and wealth.